Week 4

Book Recommendations:

If you liked the Cat In the Hat, you might also like Put Me In the Zoo by Robert Lopshire. The story is fun and the illustrations are colorful and clear. The language includes rhyme and predictability. This all adds up to an engaging read aloud or beginning independent read. It could also be used for color concepts

If you liked Matilda, you might also like Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren.  It is a humorous fantasy about an ordinary boy and girl and their neighbor, Pippi, who lives with her animals – a horse and a monkey - but no adults.  Pippi is independent, logical, strong, and kind.  There are many adventures.  The original book was published in 1945.  There is also an “updated” version which I have not read.

Goodreads Impressions:

I had made a Good Reads account some time ago but never really looked at it.  Having now explored the site, I can see that it may be very useful.  I can use it to track my reading so I can find/remember specific titles.  Also, if I know a “friend” that is very familiar with a certain genre and that’s what I am looking for, I can look on their shelf or at their reviews.   The different lists on the site can also be useful and quizzes and trivia are always fun and informative.  One does need to remember that Good Reads is only one community of readers: the ones that take the time to go online and rate or write about the books they read.  There are a lot of other readers out there that include many of our patrons.

Week 3

Conversation 1:

I looked for a book where personal journey was central.  Because, among other things, the reader seemed to enjoy the language and tone in Eat, Pray, Love, I recommend Committed, also by Elizabeth Gilbert.  It continues the story she so enjoyed but can be read alone.  Because some readers do not like to read sequels separately and she is looking for a book club book, I would also recommend Traveling with Pomegranates.  It includes the reflective, personal journey as well as travel.  My concern is the pace, however, as a book club book there will be much to think about and discuss with the perspective of both a mother and daughter.  

Conversation 2:

Requirements:  not like Twilight and not a love story.  I recommend The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.  Because I am unsure of the readers age and Twilight is the benchmark, I chose an adult book that Novelist Plus lists as "adult books for young adults."  It is about vampires and not a love story.  It is fast paced and suspenseful with a good dose of "creepy" thrown in.  

Conversation 3:

I wanted to find a nonfiction wilderness expedition that was fast paced like The River of Doubt.  It needed to be harrowing but not necessarily include a murder.  I recommend Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko.  While the main character is not a household name, Kenton Grua, was a legendary guide on the Colorado River.  The author, also a guide, is able to tell the thrilling tale of what happened after a damn failure sent more water than ever down the Colorado River and Grua and his crew work to take the fastest ride in the history of running the river.